subsequence

¹

[ suhb-si-kwuhns ]

noun

1. the state or fact of being subsequent.
2. a subsequent occurrence, event, etc.; sequel.

subsequence

²

[ suhb-see-kwuhns ]

noun

, Mathematics.

1. a sequence obtained from a given sequence by selecting terms from it and placing them in the order in which they occur in it.

subsequence

/ ˈsʌbsɪkwəns /

noun

1. the fact or state of being subsequent
2. a subsequent incident or occurrence
3. ˌsʌbˈsiːkwəns maths a sequence derived from a given sequence by selecting certain of its terms and retaining their order. Thus, <a 2 , a 3 > is a subsequence of <a 1 , a 2 , a 3 >, while <a 3 , a 2 > is not

Word History and Origins

Origin of subsequence¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; subsequ(ent) + -ence

Origin of subsequence²

First recorded in 1940–45; sub- + sequence

Example Sentences

A literary coincidence compounded of a discreditable priority and an honorable subsequence.

From Project Gutenberg

Let us now disturb the señor behind the bar for a subsequence of the red wine.'

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• arrangement
• array
• progression
• string